Woolly Lemur, Woolly Indri

The eastern woolly lemur, also known as the eastern avahi or Gmelin's woolly lemur, is an intriguing species native to the lush rainforests of eastern Madagascar. These charming lemurs are easily identifiable by their thick, curly fur, large eyes, and small, rounded heads. They also have a distinctive high-pitched call used for defense.

Inhabiting the wet tropical rainforests along Madagascar's eastern coast and occasionally reaching the northern tip, these nocturnal creatures weigh between 1.0 and 1.3 kg. They measure approximately 27 to 29 cm in length, with a tail that adds an additional 33 to 37 cm. Their diet is quite diverse, consisting of leaves, buds, fruits, flowers, and even bark.

Eastern woolly lemurs are notable for their monogamous lifestyle, typically living in pairs with their offspring. The breeding season extends from March to May, with offspring usually born between August and September.

These lemurs share their rainforest habitat with other species such as the diademed sifaka (Propithecus diadema) and the red-bellied lemur (Eulemur rubriventer). In the southeastern rainforests, they coexist with species like the brown mouse lemur (Microcebus rufus), greater dwarf lemur (Cheirogaleus major), fat-tailed dwarf lemur (Cheirogaleus medius), and the collared brown lemur (Eulemur collaris) in the Sainte Luce Forest. The Mandena Forest is home to the southern lesser bamboo lemur (Hapalemur meridionalis) as well.

Research on the eastern woolly lemur's behavior indicates that males tend to be solitary when sleeping, traveling, or grooming. However, they spend a significant part of the night close to their partners, engaging in grooming activities or simply resting together.